Guest Posts

Yesterday, I couldn’t spell author. Today, I are one.

Today’s Guest Post, by Michigan author Tom Glide, is a witty, heart-felt account of one man’s transformation to becoming a writer and his journey to bring to life his father’s true story of survival as a WWII POW and the family waiting for him to come home. Tom’s first book, Fortresses: An Airman’s Story of Survival, was published spring 2012.

“Yesterday, I couldn’t spell author. Today, I are one.”

I said those words to my oldest sister in March of 2012, while I was holding an author’s proof of Fortresses, An Airman’s Story of Survival in my hands. It was a proud day for both of us, but even in my wildest dreams, I never imagined writing a book. My love of writing was something I found by accident, or an ironic twist of fate.

I was a car guy, through and through, and was going for a business degree so I could open my own shop, restore old cars, build hot rods, and live happily ever after. When my college advisor informed me that I would have to take English Comp I and II, I wasn’t happy. Visions of my old steel edged ruler totin’ Catholic school nuns just waiting to give me a good shot across the knuckles for violating the I before E, except after C rule ran through my mind. (I think I remember one of them having a holster.)

Question — Could you just poke me in the eye with a sharp stick instead?

“You’re really good at this. Just don’t try to make a living at it. There’s no money in it.”

— Diane Tompkins, English Comp I and II instructor,
Delta College, Michigan, circa 1993

It turned out my instructor was not a heavily armed nun, she was a young, vibrant teacher, who let her students write whatever they were passionate about. I actually liked the classes, and hated to see them end. When I completed them, she took me aside and gave me the above quote, which is actually an excerpt. The full quote was “Tom, I really enjoyed reading every assignment of yours. You have a wonderful way of letting the reader see what you are writing about.” While I beamed with pride, she then added the ‘don’t try to make a living’ part, bringing me back down to earth with a thump. Oh well, I hadn’t planned on it anyway. Too bad though. It sure was fun.

I learned a lot when I eventually opened that shop. First and foremost, if you want to make a little money running your own business, start with a LOT. Then be ready to devote a lot of hours to it. When a chance to get an extremely well-paying job with excellent benefits that my family needed came along, I jumped at it. Writing became the furthest thing from my mind.

Then on Christmas Day of 2001, my dad finally lost the battle he had been fighting with Alzheimer’s and passed away. It wasn’t the only battle dad faced in his lifetime. He had also been in the Army Air Corps in WWII, and a German POW for nine months. While cleaning out the family home and divvying up the contents, my siblings and I stumbled upon an old Army suitcase full of memoirs and journals he kept during that time, and read (for the first time) what part of hell he really went through. I was mesmerized by the story, and thought to myself that it would make an incredible book.

**“You have a wonderful way of letting the reader see what you are writing about.”**

The kind words from my instructor echoed through my mind. Should I write that book? Could I write that book? The only experience I had was a few 1500 word short stories from college, and a few of my own memoirs that I had begun. But a whole book? That seemed pretty overwhelming. I had no idea where to start, plus, I remembered my instructor saying there was no money in it. Where’s the reward in it? I decided to pass on the idea, and simply walk away with a whole new level of admiration for the hero that dad was.

A short while later I got the chance to get an up close and personal look at a restored B-17, just like the one dad used to fly in. It was every bit the magnificent aircraft I remembered him telling me about. It made me think about writing dad’s story again, then of how big a task that would be. Then I remembered something he used to tell me whenever I didn’t want to do something, which usually was preceded by me saying the words “Daaaad … I can’t.”

“Don’t gimme that I can’t bullshit! There’s no such word as can’t!”

After reading about the ordeal he went through, I understood why he felt there was no such word as can’t. It had been much tougher than raking leaves or eating canned peas that used to garner that wonderful bit of fatherly advise. I decided to give writing the book a shot. A book is made up of chapters. Chapters are sorta kinda short stories, right? I got this.

HandBags of Hope – Breaking the cycle of domestic abuse

By Kat Sturtz Leave a Comment

Today, again in support of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I’m taking the opportunity to share with you the impact of how one woman not only successfully broke the cycle of domestic abuse in her own family but has gone on to create an awesome Michigan-based non-profit from a single, seemingly simple item, and an idea to share.

Jackie Bobcean refers to this as “Our Journey” but it’s so much more. It’s a story of strength and hope and healing — story of empowerment.

Below are Jackie’s words. Her story. You can see her in the photo, third from the left with her ever-supporting and loving husband, Jeff. At far left, is her friend, Deb. Far right is her best friend, Lisa, who’s also my younger sister. And the little guy is Jackie’s grandson. Lisa and Deb helped establish HandBags of Hope.

Jackie’s story

When I startedHandBags of Hope in 2006 I had no idea it would take on a life of its own. I had no idea of the journey it would take me on or the healing it would provide. I didn’t think about domestic violence shelters, just that the purses were going to a shelter. After receiving a couple thank you letters and speaking with shelter directors, I knew these gifts would truly impact a woman’s recovery and growth. I began thinking about it and realized that at an early age we learn not to go in our mother’s purses, husbands of 30 years still bring the purse to their wife. It’s true — women run a “small world” from their purses. They depend on it daily. Our handbag is one of our most personal of possessions.

Domestic violence is mostly hidden behind closed doors, as is discussing it. From the outside, the family looks normal. But it’s when no one is looking that the abuse begins. It does not have to always be physical; a tongue can cut as deep as a knife. Verbal abuse is much more powerful than a punch, especially when the words are repeated daily, year after year. Many abusers know where to leave their mark, so now she goes to work and functions daily. No one knows the pain she’s in with every lift of her arm or bend in her back. Co-workers and school mom’s have no idea how she dreads the ride home. Sometimes it starts in high school, teen love. Most times there is abuse in the home of the abuser, his behavior with his girlfriend is by example.

I know a lot about this because I grew up in such a house. I chose not to go into a lot of detail but will share a little of what HandBags of Hope has done for my personal journey. I had a younger brother. Billy was 17 months younger than me. Everyday growing up we listened to how stupid we were, how we would amount to nothing in life. My brother lived his entire life looking for my father’s respect and approval, something he never gained. On Christmas Eve morning 2003 my brother committed suicide. He didn’t leave a note, he didn’t have to. The image he left my father haunted him to his grave 11 months later. My mother’s illness and passing in 1999 was another time my father checked out on. But my mom and brother were best of friends and I believe Billy’s finally found Peace.

I could not convince my mother to leave and I could not protect my brother as an adult.

If the handbags we donate make a woman stand a little taller and walk a little prouder we’ve done our job. If that handbag provides additional reassurance of her decision to leave, we’ve done our job. Every time she goes into that handbag to retrieve something she knows there’s a little love from a total stranger always on the bottom. Maybe there’s one child who won’t grow up to think he’s worthless and unlovable.

I broke the chain of abuse and violence with my daughters and husband. Each day is truly a present, it all depends on what we want our Present to be.

Lisa and I have been friends from age 11 growing up in the city of Detroit. Lisa is also a survivor of Domestic violence.

Debi was my neighbor and we’ve been friends since 1985. Debi is a victim of Domestic violence survivor.

Click here to learn more about HandBags of Hope. Consider supporting them with a donation.

More importantly, look for opportunities to bring awareness and help within your own family, group of friends, your neighborhood.

On behalf of the 1 in 4 affected by domestic violence, and also myself as a domestic abuse survivor — and now thriver — Thank you.

Have you broken the cycle in your own family? Consider sharing your story in the comments below.

If you are in need of help, do not hesitate to ask for it. If needed, call 911.

If you are involved with an organization that helps bring awareness to this issue and provides help for those in need, please feel free to include a link to your website. Also include the location.

Poem: The Simple Things

By Kat Sturtz Leave a Comment

How many of these items are on your own Favorites list? Thanks for sharing, Les!

The Simple Things

I enjoy the simple things in life

The warmth of the sun, the smell of rain
A hot cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday morning
The smell of fresh clean sheets
Gazing at the stars on a warm summer night
Frost covered trees on a sunny winter morning
A warm coat
The feel of a child’s hand inside of mine
The smell of fresh spring air
The sun setting over a clear blue lake
A walk in the forest An evening with friends
A good laugh Words of encouragement
A sincere thank you
A friendly smile A nice warm hug
A gentle kiss And the words "I love you"

© 2004 Les Roggenbuck

Reading that makes spring and summer feel a little closer than the calendar shows. And the photo's gorgeous. I just cropped it a bit from one Les has posted on Facebook. Watch for future guest posts from Les, Brian Smith, Crystal, and other 56Vibes friends!

Monica’s Musings: February 2010

By Kat Sturtz Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Where does the time go? Here it is already February 2010, one month into the year of the Tiger. Hope your New Year has started on a new, more optimistic note.
February is the month of love. So I am asking everyone to keep that at the forefront of their conscious mind as we travel through it. Try to keep every waking thought on giving and receiving love. Open your heart to everyone, especially those who may try our nerves and patience along the way.
Breathe love in and out all day long. Become more conscious of your breath. Take a few seconds several times a day to feel yourself breathing in and out. As you breathe in, feel the universe filling your heart with love and acceptance, for yourself and everyone else. As you breathe out, send that love out to everyone, even those you may be annoyed with at the time. As you become more aware of how closely related breath and love can be intertwined, you will realize how much easier it is to love and forgive yourself and others along the way.
Don’t forget the power of touch. As you are doing this exercise, imagine your breath touching the other person like a gentle caress and giving them comfort. Imagine yourself being enveloped in the warm cocoon of love and acceptance that you are creating. Go ahead, give yourself a hug.
Even though February is a short month, studies show that human behavior can be reprogrammed in 21 days, if we practice the new habit daily. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful, more positive new year if even a few of you would make this exercise a part of your daily routine? We can change the world one person at a time.

Blessings,

Monica

Monica, a professional psychic medium and reader for over 10 years, is a Reiki Master, Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified Reflexologist, and on staff at the Integrated Studies of Sedona (AZ) School. She is also a regular reader for Reader/Healer Night at the Integrated Center for Well Being in Plymouth, MI.

Learn more at: www.monicatokar.com

Hurricane Gustav: Light Workers Urged to Unite

By Kat Sturtz 2 Comments

We often feel helpless when things, like a raging hurricane, seem beyond our control and threatening to us, as well as to people and things we care for.

However, intuitive energies are not limited to each of us individually. Through concentrated effort, prayer, meditation and intent, we can send out healing energies to join and grow with those others are also sending.

The following article was written as a Spiritual Thumb group effort by members Natalie Hoffman and Barb Maciosek. The information came from Barb Maciosek and Becky Vogel. Natalie says, “This is the way we understood it and we have done the best we can to put it into words for your understanding.”

In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit, she caused a severe split. Our country lost its Kundalini energy. The Earth pulled the energy away because it was weak and sent it to China. Kundalini is considered a part of the subtle body along with the chakras. The Kundalini energy will not return to us for sometime.

The hurricane, Gustav, is going to hit landfall on Labor Day. This is a labor of love, because the hurricane will hit our country’s main meridian and root chakra. If our root chakra is weakened, so is our chakra system. This effects our country, our health, the land, economy, everything. OUR ENERGY ON ALL LEVELS. We have been out of sync since Katrina. So Gustav can weaken us again.

We urge Light workers unite in this effort. For we are the protectors and we understand the importance of connections. We are one with the Earth and we do this for our country, the Earth, our fellow human beings and ourselves.

This storm is necessary for cleansing, so we do not wish to stop it. We ask that the winds be gentler. We send energy, prayer, thanks and apologize to Mother Earth. We also ask that everyone is evacuated on time and the homeless are helped.

If you believe as we do that our positive energies combined can trigger benefits that reach far into and across the Universe, then join us in our efforts. Listen to your intentions. Set your intent. Gather your vibrations. Send positive energy. Pray.

If by the time you read this Gustav has passed, remember that we can always be unified in sending and sharing our positive energies. No invitation needed.

A special thank you goes out to Natalie, Becky and Barb for their timely sharing of the above information.

Please feel free to share your comments and insights.

**Note:

Barb sent me a clarification on where she and Becky learned the information about the Earth chakra and main meridian.It was during a lecture by Una Marcote our group heard during a trip to the Edgar Cayce’s ARE Institute in Virginia Beach in January of this year.

If you’re in the area, drop by and attend one of the free lectures given daily. Here’s the link to the ARE website: www.edgarcayce.org

Do an Internet search to learn more about Earth chakras and geographical meridians.

[Note: originally posted August 31, 2008]

Food as Spirit

By Kat Sturtz Leave a Comment

It’s been barely two months since my good friend, Les, shared some thoughts about “Food as Spirit.” In it was a prediction that the price of food in our grocery stores will likely double within six months or so. As Hurricane Ike hit hard along the coastlines of Texas and Louisiana late last week, and gas prices soared over $4.00 per gallon again, I was reminded again of his email and the more important information he shared in the wake of changing times.

I’ll let Les speak for himself.

Dear Friends in Spirit,

I am inspired to share with you today some of my discoveries relating to food and spirit.

Being given the opportunity in this lifetime to steward land and cultivate plants, I have made some powerful connections with the land, the food that is harvested from it and the spirit that it invokes. I can not stress enough the difference in energy that you will feel from the different ways that our food is prepared or the intent of the hands that produced it.

The material age has created a food system that has forced farmers to rely primarily on profit margins for growing food vs. focusing on quality and the health of the community benefiting from his or her labors.Now with the price of fuel increasing, the price of food at the grocery store will likely double over the next 6 months or so.

It would be a wise move while we are in the productive season to buy extra produce and put some up for winter. Locally grown, fresh organic produce is the best for the health of your body and for nurturing the spirit within.

I have been harvesting from my garden for a good 4 weeks now [July 10th]. Fresh asparagus, spinach, salad greens, broccoli, snow peas, baby beets, new potatoes, zucchini, summer squash and more. I have also been experimenting with sourdough bread and making yogurt from our cows milk. Pretty much every day I eat from the farm and the benefits are tremendous!

Seed saving this summer and fall should also be a priority. Any efforts in this regard will be rewarded!

Many Blessings on your path!
Les

Thank you, Les, for reminding us that we have the freedom whether or not to make wise choices when it comes to the feeding our physical and spiritual bodies. With rising food costs may hamper us, but we should not let it stop us from finding ways to eat healthy.

Les Roggenbuck’s fully certified organic farm is located in the “Thumb” of Michigan.

To learn more visit:
East River Organic Farm
www.eastriverorganic.com

NOTE: This post was originally published Sept 8, 2008.